Oklahoma House Speaker Mulls U.S. Senate Bid

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Veteran U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's decision not to seek re-election has stirred the political waters in Oklahoma.

Now, Republican House Speaker T.W. Shannon is considering whether to give up his seat in the state Legislature to run for the Senate.

Trebor Worthen, a political consultant for Shannon, has told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Shannon will file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to establish an exploratory committee. Shannon was not available for comment Tuesday, but said in a statement that he is, indeed, considering a run.

The 35-year-old from Lawton would potentially face U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who announced on Monday that he will seek the Senate seat.

Shannon became both the youngest and the first African-American Oklahoma House speaker when he was formally elected to the post last year.

Coburn, a Republican, announced last week he was foregoing his final two